Three Questions About the Saints as Training Camp Gets Closer

It was one of the most painful moments in Saints history when the Los Angeles Rams escaped the NFC Title game with a win that clearly should have went the Saints way.

A pass interference call that wasn’t called killed the Saints, and a turnover in overtime did not help matters as the team simply did not get the job done.

The team has to put the postseason of 2018 behind them, and start to re-install the confidence of what good things the team did to put them in a position to host the NFC Title Game in January.

Today we take a look at three questions about this team as camp closes in at the end.

1. Will There Be a NFC Title Game Hangover?

The team did not show any ill effects of the NFC Divisional Title game loss to the Vikings on the last play back in January 2018, and now they have to do the same from last year’s NFC Title game against the Rams.

There has to be the same intensity that the team showed early in the year, not showing any give or allowing the loss to the Rams and the poor non-call late in the game to sit in their heads.

The start of the 2018 season was a loss to the Bucs, but after that they reeled off 10 wins before another loss. They need to do that again in 2019.

2. Will Brees be Able to Play as Well as in 2018?

You can’t help but wonder now at 40 years old if Drew Brees will be able to have the same physical capabilities as he had 2-3 seasons ago.

He was outstanding in 2018, finishing second to Pat Mahomes for the league MVP, throwing 32 touchdowns to just five picks.

He’s the leader of the team, and there’s no doubt that he’s doing his part with his strict training regimen, but here’s hoping that he won’t break down and that the line will keep him upright.

3. Can the Defense Be Better?

The Saints defense ranked 14th in points allowed as well as in yards allowed, and while they stepped up at times in big games, they can be even better in 2019.

Cam Jordon is one of the best defensive players in the NFC, last season putting up 12 sacks and having some excellent games.

While he will be the leader on the line, there were some moments when the backfield could have played better, including the NFC Title game when the Saints built an early lead only to not finish it off.

More turnovers, not allowing big plays, those are the types of things a championship team does, and to win a title the Saints D needs to turn it up a notch in 2019.